Naomie Pilula’s Viral Selfie And The Internet’s Reactions
In a heartwarming exclusive story with PEOPLE, a wise Zambia-based lawyer, Naomie Pilula, shows us what it means to stand tall in the face of negativity. While the internet tried to drag her looks, she chose to use the moment to show love for herself instead.
Similar to other powerful stories of self-confidence shared on Hollywood Unlocked, Pilula’s experience is one that resonates deeply in today’s culture.
Back in June, Pilula had been casually posting her usual selfies. But one photo hit differently and went viral. She captioned it, “Happy Monday! The hair is hairing and the skin is skinning so I’m so happy!!!!! This is a Bantu knotout on freshly washed hair. So even though my hair is in dire need of a retire, it still looks cute 🥰. Here’s to feeling and looking cute.”
The photo was bombarded with rude comments some of which shouldn’t be repeated but primarily poking fun at her nose and facial features. While for most of us it’s hard to ignore rude comments, it made Pilula want to embrace her beauty more and on the same platform that tried to tear her down.
While speaking with PEOPLE, the 37 year old explained,
“I do know that one of the most controversial features that I have, which is what blew up the internet, was my nose. It’s my father’s nose. Why would I want to remove a feature that identifies me with my father? It doesn’t make sense,” she said.
Turning Pain Into Power
Pilula didn’t just brush off the hate overnight. She admitted the journey to self-love took time.
“I won’t say that there was that one day where I woke up and I looked in the mirror and said, ‘Yes,’ but there was just one point where you looked at yourself and said, ‘I like the way I look,’” she shared. “And that was me. And once I arrived at that point, no one can take that away because they didn’t give it to me.”
She also shared that her sister’s encouragement and leaning on the Bible helped her push through some of her toughest days when the internet’s words cut too deep.
Why Her Story Hits Different
Despite living in a world where online trolls stay loud, Pilula wants people to see beyond the surface. She’s not trying to be perfect for the internet she’s just trying to be herself.
She tells PEOPLE,
“I really, really want people to see God. I want people to see confidence. I am not [an] aesthetically beautiful person. I’m not, and that’s okay. But I love myself and I can be myself. And with that is a certain level of beauty because there is a light that everyone has and that deserves to shine.”